The allure of the open water, the promise of relaxation and
adventure – buying a boat can be an exciting prospect. However, navigating the
world of boat sales can be tricky, and unwary buyers can easily get caught in a
rip current of bad decisions. This article will guide you into common boat-buying
mistakes, equipping you with the knowledge to avoid them and make an informed and smooth purchase where you can assure you get your money's worth.
Ignoring Your Needs and Budget
Don’t get swept away by the excitement of owning a boat.
Take a breather first and sit down. Define your needs first: what type of
boating do you envision to do? How many people will you have on board? A boat
too big can be costly to maintain and a boat too small can be limiting and cramped.
Set a realistic budget that considers not just the purchase price, but also
ongoing costs like insurance, maintenance, storage, and fuel.
Buying Imported Boats
While buying boats from other countries such as the US, for
example; those boats might not live up to meet the Australian standards. The US
waterscapes are vastly different from Australian waters and the boats from the US
will accommodate their terrain. While you may be able to get a boat cheaper
from the US, you may also end up spending more on alterations and additions to
get it up to Australian standards. Plus, the shipping rates can be high. Australia
has various boat manufacturers such as Quintrex boats,
who create quality-made aluminium water
vessels with various models fit for serious fishing and serene cruising. We
recommend buying boats locally rather than abroad just to save your resources.
Not Considering Resale Value
Unless you plan on owning just one boat throughout your
entire life, at some point you’re probably going to consider selling your boat,
especially if you might find yourself in a financial bind. It’s important to
consider the potential resale value of any boat you’re looking at buying. Think
of a boat as an investment. You might be getting a great price now, but it may
prove quite costly in a few years if you can’t sell it.
Do a bit of research on the brand, model, what the current
market value is for this boat and how that reduces over time. This should be
something you consider for negotiating the price anyway.
Skipping the Inspection
A shiny exterior doesn't guarantee an all-around great boat,
even if it’s a brand-new model. If you’re not too familiar with examining a
boat closely, hire a qualified marine surveyor to conduct a thorough
inspection, uncovering any hidden problems or potential safety hazards.
If you’re buying a used boat, request
and review all maintenance records, especially for the boat engine. A
well-maintained boat is a more reliable investment.